Posted February 01, 2010 in Blog, Fraxel Laser Treatment, Uncategorized
Fraxel laser has become the leader in fractionated non-invasive skin rejuvenation laser technologies. As predicted, “Fraxel” as become a verb in the English language as in, “I am Fraxeling my face”. What began in early 2001 as a challenge from the brilliant and forward thinking Rox Anderson, MD (Boston, MA) to Reliant Inc. has evolved into 4 distinct Fraxel laser treatment platforms; restore, refine, repair, repair Lite, and Dual. Solta Inc. now manufactures Fraxel.
Michael A. Persky, MD has embraced Fraxel technology from its original Fraxel restore release in early 2004 to the current recent release (1/10) of Fraxel Dual. Dr. Persky would like to share his thoughts about Fraxel.
Fraxel Dual combines two lasers in one system, the restore and the Thulium 1927. The restore is an amped up version of the originally released Fraxel restore (SR750, now 1550) that works by heating the skin with an Erbium laser that stimulates collagen production without damage to the superficial skin, thus with very little downtime. Patients are red and slightly swollen for about 2 days followed by 3 to 4 days of “bronzing”, and then return to their normal state with a few less fine to moderate wrinkles and brown spots. This newer version of restore is 25% faster, and more effective, requiring on average 25% fewer treatments.
The latest addition to the Fraxel menu is theThulium 1927 portion of Fraxel Dual which addresses brown spots and melasma on the face and body. It is very effective at treating age spots, freckles, and other brown pigment skin problems, in many cases with a single quick, painless treatment. It has been referred to by one of Dr. Persky’s patients as “IPL on steroids!” With Thulium 1927 downtime is related to superficial skin peeling which takes from 5 to 10 days depending on the individual.
With Fraxel Dual, the restore and Thulium lasers may be combined for both superficial and deep non-ablative skin resurfacing with minimal downtime.
The most dramatically rejuvenating of the Fraxel lasers is Fraxel repair. Fraxel repair is an ablative fractionated carbon dioxide (CO2) laser that is capable of helping patients look years younger, retaining their natural appearance with a non-surgical treatment. Our experience with treating patients with Fraxel repair over the past two years has been excellent. The laser actually removes a volume of skin causing tightening immediately followed by 4 to 6 months of collagen production. It is particularly effective around the eye lids, cheeks, and neck. Skin tone, texture, and color improve. Some patients have opted for second treatments with repair, and benefit from results that are greater than single treatments added together. Surgical and acne scars respond dramatically to the treatment, but for scars usually 2 to 3 treatments are required for optimal results. The downtime for repair is 7 to 10 days for return to work, but it may take 4 to 8 weeks for skin color to return to normal. Most patients enjoy the ” sun-vacation color” from about the second week on.
Fraxel repair Lite is a popular treatment among patients who want to keep a fresh rosy glow to their face. It involves using Fraxel repair at very low settings; therefore there is minimal downtime, maybe two days of moderate swelling and redness. Patients love the way their skin looks and feels after Lite treatments, but a recent repeat Lite patient commented, “Dr. Persky, you need to warn your patients that this Lite is addictive because my skin looks so good.” Lite is also effective at boosting the effects of full Fraxel repair treatments in patients who desire a little more kick to their skin rejuvenation.
Fraxel refine is a controlled version of Fraxel restore, with limited power and treatment settings to allow the placement of the laser into medispas and cosmetology salons.
As with all facial cosmetic procedures, patient expectations are paramount. Dr. Persky’s vast experience with Fraxel since 2004, particularly with Fraxel repair has resulted in an emphasis on patient expectations at the original consultation. The vast majority of patients respond extremely well to the treatment, looking years younger. There have been a handful of patients who have not responded to the treatment as well as others. Many of these patients respond well to a second repair treatment or Lite treatment. These secondary treatments are provided at reduced charge, the cost of operating the disposable components of the laser.
Lastly, we recommend that our patients protect their investment in their skin rejuvenation by using excellent skin care products following Fraxel treatments. A commitment to using sun protection and avoiding excessive sun exposure is most helpful.
Dr Persky is located in Encino, California but services all of Los Angeles and the San Fernando Valley. Including, Beverly Hills, Hollywood, Santa Monica, Malibu, Sherman Oaks, Studio City, Calabasas, Woodland Hills, Tarzana and Agoura Hills and more.
